This generation is no stranger to artificial intelligence (AI.) Our everyday lives are affected by AI, whether we are aware of it or not. From the shows we stream to our online shopping carts, we are influenced by technology and, by extension, by AI.
With its pros, like most things, AI also presents some cons. For a time, people were afraid of the power AI could hold over humankind. However, with proper study, we can find ways to benefit from it. Artificial intelligence is used in education, healthcare, and other fields today, even in the fashion industry. While they cannot walk on runways and do photo shoots, AI-generated models are being introduced at this age.
AI-generated fashion models with curated online lives
The fashion industry is often in hot waters as people have long accused it of setting unrealistic body types and images, whether on printed ads or runways. Now, we have somewhat reached a point of introducing the “perfect” model. In Spain, an AI-generated model who goes by the name Aitana can earn an average of €3,000 monthly by posting online. Her creators had curated an online persona so believable that a lot of people weren’t even aware that Aitana did not exist. The project was such a success that her creators have created another AI model called Maia.
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Image: Artificial photo model example on Instagram
There are also websites that allow users to create their own AI-generated fashion models. Enterprises can showcase their clothing lines and accessories without the need to hire a real model. Businesses, especially startups, can lessen their expenses since they won’t have to spend money on photo shoots and location rents. Some would even argue that AI-generated models can offer more diversity, as models can be generated based on preferred race, ethnicity, and age.
AI-generated fashion models’ effect on mental health
AI-generated models help brands in saving costs, time, and resources. But are we forging another path of toxic body and image expectations by doing so? How will our mental health fare with this development? According to YouGov, 76% of US adults believe that the media promotes an unattainable body image for women and 52% for men. Seven in ten Americans believe that fashion companies have a negative impact on body image. With AI, where creators have more freedom to conceptualize and perfect a non-existent influencer’s life, we might be pushing the boundaries of social media presence and expectations.
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On the financial side, while using AI-generated fashion models means less costs to businesses, it also means less income for real human models as they would have lesser gigs to book. Real models would have to compete with AI-generated models that can change its appearance with a click of a mouse.
Conclusion
Humankind has been gifted with technology that has bettered our lives. Finding the perfect balance between what is morally and ethically acceptable and utilizing AI is a feat that can be achieved through proper research and implementation. People have long struggled with body positivity, and social media platforms may sometimes increase the pressure to appear perfect all the time.
It may not be easy to learn and accept our flaws, especially when we are exposed to the media and people telling us what and how we should look like. However, as cliché as it may sound, we need to embrace our imperfections as they are what make us human and what sets us apart from AI-generated images and models.
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been taken by Patricia Palma.
Source: Laura Llach (Euro News) / Jamie Ballard (YouGov)
